Calling All Volunteers!

Do you want to make a lasting difference in the lives of young children? Do you have at least one hour per week to dedicate to a fun and rewarding experience? If so, we are looking for YOU! VOLUNTEER NOW

Provider Training Series

Back by popular demand! Come join the hundreds of Virginia Beach early education providers who have taken advantage of this FREE monthly professional development series, put on by Children’s Harbor.
LEARN MORE

Kindergarten, Here I Come!

Do you have a preschooler who will enter kindergarten next fall or a current kindergartener? From enrollment requirements to building important readiness skills, Virginia Beach GrowSmart wants you to ... READ MORE

School Connection

Whether your child is a Virginia Beach City Public Schools student, attends a private school, or is home-schooled, visit our School Connection site for your school needs. READ MORE

Virginia Beach Growsmart, planting the seeds for a successful life

Every child in Virginia Beach will be born healthy; enter kindergarten ready to learn; and continue to read proficiently
through third grade, establishing a strong foundation for success in school and in life.

WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING

We realize the importance of Virginia Beach children being ready to succeed in school and in life when they enroll in kindergarten. Last year, our GrowSmart program was honored with an Outstanding Achievement in Innovation Award by the national Alliance for Innovation. I cannot overstate the importance of preparing our youth for success before they begin school — and even before they are born. GrowSmart promotes the healthy development and school readiness of young children. The bigger picture… It’s a vital part of our workforce development strategy, laying the foundation for our babies to excel as 21st century learners, workers and citizens.

Mayor William D. Sessoms / 2014 State of the City Address

: Bringing together City, Schools, and the Community for a common mission.

GrowSmart’s mission is to promote and improve the healthy development, school readiness, and reading proficiency of young children, ages 0-8, in Virginia Beach.

Find Us

Parents' Voice

“I absolutely love this school! From the first day I walked in to tour with my then 2year-old, I knew it was the school for us. My daughter is now 4, and has enjoyed 2 years of excellent classroom teaching, Spanish, music and computer programs along with extra-curricular dance offered through the Starz Program.” Kristin Hansen, Parent – Emmanuel Episcopal Day School

“I can’t tell you how happy we have been with your school and how blessed we feel to have had all of you play such an important role in our children’s formative years. You have a wonderful school and program and we wish you all the best in the future.” The Allisons, Former Parent – Bullfrogs and Butterflies Pre-K and KG

"My son has been attending First Discovery since he was six weeks old. It has been a wonderful experience. The staff takes the time to talk to you and get to know your kid, even if they are not in their classroom. The staff is well trained and experienced. They are dedicated to your child's development.”Jennifer Tanner, Parent –First Discovery CDC student

“Great place with great staff. It prepared our daughter for school and now she’s on the Principal’s List. I can’t wait to send our son there for the same educational and caring experience.”Allen Ward, Parent – Courthouse Christian Preschool & Afterschool

“The class sizes are small and personal attention is given to each child and their needs, whether they be social, emotional or educational. The staff knows each child by name and they seem genuinely happy to be there.”Kristin Hansen, Parent – Emmanuel Episcopal Day School

“The teachers! They are extremely warm and welcoming. They truly care about the kids and are like an extended family. While in previous settings only the primary teacher had a bond with my children and were able to comfort them, all the teachers here have a connection with my child and are able to make him feel better when he’s sad. That’s priceless!”Parent – Bullfrogs and Butterflies Pre-K and KG

“The thing I love the best is that it feels like a family. A whole set of teachers helping you along the way, always ready to give advice if you need it. I am so glad I found them for childcare for my child and would definitely recommend them to anyone who asks!"Jennifer Tanner, Parent –First Discovery CDC student

“This preschool is truly a hidden gem! It has literally been around for generations. You will never find a parent who has experienced the school that will have anything but positive reviews! The “learning through play” curriculum is integral to its contined success in preparing kids for kindergarten.”Christi Farr, Parent – Emmanuel Episcopal Day School

"THANK YOU for 3 great years! We’ll miss you!” The Plaatsman Family – Bullfrogs and Butterflies Pre-K and KG

“The loving, Christian-based program was a wonderful fit for our daughter. The small-sized classes and nurturing staff created an environment in which she could excel and be completely prepared for kindergarten. We look forward to our youngest daughter attending this year.”Andria D’Alba, Parent – Courthouse Christian Preschool & Afterschool